“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Steven Covey

What are my priorities? What gets my attention and energy today? We all have to do things like taxes, or changing the oil in the car, but for the most part I want to give my energy to what I believe has lasting value, not just to urgent everyday demands. Give time and energy every single day to health--the health of your body, your soul; your relationships and your responsibilities.  

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/24/2022

“If the Kingdom of God is not first it does not matter what is second.” Neal Maxwell

 We may wonder how we are to seek God’s Kingdom first. Well, it certainly helps when we live our lives around the principles of His word. Choosing love over hate, compassion over criticism, thanksgiving over complaint, and a host of other principles provide us a good place to start. The specifics are often brought into focus when we walk in the general.  

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/23/2022

We do not ask God to give us self-control, and wake up the next day a disciplined person.

 Self-control is learned one decision at a time.  Every decision that we make simply reinforces in us a habit to choose it the next time around. This is just as true for bad decisions as it is for good ones. The catch seems to be that good decisions are often an acquired taste.  

“The fruit of the Spirit is… self control.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 1/22/2022

A large part of life is learning how to manage yourself.

 Self control is true freedom. It enables us to incline our heart to live by our values rather than desires, or emotions or anything that would tempt us to trade our soul to satisfy some temporal passion. 

 “The fruit of the Spirit is… self control.” Gal.5 Conversations Within” ts 1/21/2022

“Here I am!”

It is natural for people to seek after their own good. It is indeed rare to know people who naturally look out for the concerns of others. It is both humbling and encouraging to be around these gentle servants. Am I the kind of person who walks into a room and announces, “Here I am!” or the kind who walks in and says, “There you are.”  

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil.2.4 NKJV Conversations Within” ts 1/20/2022

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” CS Lewis

I am blessed to be around people who thrive on serving others. They are always looking for ways to help, and generous sharing their time and resources. I consider it a privilege to provide them with so many opportunities to do so. :D  

 “…in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Phil.2.3 Conversations Within” ts 1/18/2022

“Sometimes the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else.” Uncle Iroh

 Jesus repeatedly invites us to taste the joy of loving and serving, and the absolute impossibility of bringing refreshment to others without it splashing over on us. If your problems are getting the best of you, turn your attention to the suffering of those around you and discover the wonderful freedom of thinking about someone other than yourself.  

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Prov.11.25 Conversations Within” ts 1/17/2022

“And even though it all went wrong, I'll stand right here before the Lord of song with nothing, nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah!” Leonard Cohen

 It never hurts to be grateful. Giving praise to those who deserve it is always appropriate. With all that goes wrong and is wrong in our world why not contribute these powerfully working graces.  To praise God in the midst of trial expresses a unique trust in His goodness. 

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High.” Ps.92.1 Conversations Within” ts 1/15/2022

“It is not the strongest…nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” Unknown

Learning how to adapt is an essential skill in a world of change. One does not necessarily need to change their course, especially if we are convinced it is the right one. We may have to adjust how we sail through or if if we sail around what comes. The Spirit of Christ is the best Navigator to have on board.     

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” Is.43.2  Conversations Within” ts 1/14/2022

The good fight often begins with our attitude. Once we have won that battle, we can be sure that whatever fight we are in will be a good one.

More and more I am seeing the sheer importance of my attitude. How I view something is more important than what I am viewing. Christ will give us His perspective if we are open to it. Imagine seeing everything in Heaven’s light and the light of Heaven will shed light your choices.  

“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens…” is.40.26 Conversations Within” ts 1/13/2022

Know what to expect and prepare yourself for it!

 It is healthy to expect hardship. Why? Because it is going to happen, and accepting the fact, even expecting it, can help us do more than complain about it; we can improvise, adapt and overcome it.  

“I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance…” Phil.4.11- Conversations Within” ts 1/12/2022

The best way to own it, might be first, to own up to it.

 Our world is serving a sentence not only for the selfishness of our forefathers, but for our own. Seeing that God gives grace to the humble, we should own up to all we have done to bring hardship to our lives and the lives of others. Then by His grace we can, as we say, own whatever hardship that comes our way. He works all things for good for those who love Him. 

 “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 1Pet.5.5 Conversations Within” ts 1/11/2022

“When the weather is hot, keep a cool mind. When the weather is cold, keep a warm heart.” Ajahn Brahm

 If you know what to expect then you can prepare to deal with it. This is true on so many levels. Having to weather the weather is something most people can count on. Understanding that trials and tribulations are standard issue for life in this place should encourage us all to dress appropriately. Begin with an attitude that not only accepts it but positively adapts to it.  

“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1 Conversations Within” ts 1/10/2022

Jesus is certainly my friend. One relevant question to ask myself is if I am a friend to Jesus?

I have discovered that it is just as important to be a friend to someone, not just have them as a friend. I cannot think of any reason why this would not be true where friendship with God is concerned. Does He consider me a good friend? Can He trust and can He count on me? The times I question my closeness to Him probably have more to do with my faithfulness to Him rather than His to me.  

“Abraham believed God…and he was called God’s friend.” James 2.23 Conversations Within” ts 1/9/2022

“Grace is the face that love wears when it meets imperfection.” Meme

Sometimes God’s grace comes to us with the simple caveat that we use it. What I mean is that He gives us grace in the form of wisdom, but we must follow that wisdom to reap its benefits. Then there is the grace that comes without condition, like the kind needed for His forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. Jesus gave His word of this particular kind of grace….  

”It is finished.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2022

“Be a good person but don't waste time to prove it.” Anonymous

 When we realize that loving others is its own reward we are one step closer to what it means to live for God’s pleasure rather than the praise of people. God is pleased only by what works goodness. He cares nothing for religious showboating.  

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2022

“Life is good because I decided to make it that way.” Unknown

 If we want a good life, it is as simple as giving our energy to everything that is good. Since our God is good, we need only to ask Him about the goodness of any and every matter.  

“The Lord is good.” Ps.100 Conversations Within” ts 1/6/2022

“We are all born to die--the difference is the intensity with which we choose to live.” Gina Lollobrigida

  Living the good life looks different to each of us. Make your own a mental list, and measure its real value. Hopefully we understand that health is more important to us than mere pleasure. Give your energy to everything good and a good life is ours to be had. God the Father offers His wisdom. Ask Him!  

“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, …so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1Tim.6.18 Conversations Within” ts 1/4/2022

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." Marcel Proust

I confess the attraction of new adventures. What I am beginning to understand is that I do not have to go someplace new to actually have one. The newness is all in the way that I look and interact with what and who surrounds me, The adventure might be to learn to sing a familiar song and sing it like it was the first time. Our attitude is the adventure.  

“Be renewed in the spirit of your minds,” Eph.4.23 Conversations Within” ts 1/1/2022

“I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world's delight; things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight.” Christian Hymn

It is often the case that when we resolve to do something we also resolve to not do something. If I resolve to eat healthy, I must also resolve to not eat unhealthy. If I resolve to speak only kindness, I must also refuse to say critical and judgmental words. Of course if we spend our energy living what is good we will have little left to practice the bad.  

"Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires…and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Eph.4.23 Conversations Within” ts 1/1/2022

“The secret to having it all is believing you already do.” John Assaraf

I have God’s grace, which He has labeled sufficient for everything; do I need anything else?  

“All things are yours, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” 1Cor.3.23 Conversations Within” ts 12/30/2021

Come away with me and I will lead you to be wholly where you are.

My emotions often reflect my reactions to my circumstances, but your Spirit is gently inviting me to rise above them. Thank you for teaching me the difference in being where I am from being ruled by where I am. Help me be wholly present to this moment, but not driven by it. I want my emotions to follow my mind, not lead the dance.  

“I am that I am.” Yahweh Conversations Within” ts 12/28/2021

How many opportunities do we let pass to show kindness to a stranger simply because we did not think we had the time.

We have all seen the trucks with the sticker on the back that reads, “I stop at all Rail Road crossings." Maybe we should post one on ourselves that reads, “I stop to show kindness.” Always give priority to kindness. Make sure that showing it is more important than just walking or driving by to your next destination. 

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, found the injured man; and when he saw him, he took pity on him… He bandaged his wounds…brought him to an inn and took care of him.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/28/2021

Odds are that there is something within our reach at this very moment that is providing an opportunity to express kindness to someone.

Kindness is a way of living. It is a smile, a word, an action that promotes goodness. Kindness gently touches others and finds just the right word or action that encourages, inspires, and brings refreshment to the weary. How very blessed we are to be able to express it so freely. 

 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 12/27/2021

Today’s To Do List: 1. Practice kindness…

If we want to be naturally kind, we will first need to be purposefully kind. The habit of showing kindness, like other habits, must first grow out of deliberately and consistently working at it. Today is a good day to practice. 

" Put on…kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."  Col.3.12 Conversations Within” ts 12/26/2021

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Unknown

Purposefully show kindness everyday and to everyone you meet; it is a worthwhile goal for the New Year. Be kind. Let its fragrance fill the air around you. Caress the world with its touch and know the wonder of its joy. Kindness is its own reward.  

“Love is kind…” The Good Book Conversations Within” ts 12/25/2021